If you’re still heating your home with dirty oil, the City of Seattle is offering an instant rebate up to $1,500 right now through the end of 2019 to switch to an energy-efficient heat pump. Join more than 300 households who have made the switch since 2017. Here are several reasons why now is the best time to make the switch:
- Heat pumps provide year-round comfort, including air-conditioning. Last summer we had a record 31 days above 85 degrees (our average is 11 days above 85 degrees). We also experienced bad air-quality as a result of forest fires. Should we experience a summer like last year, a heat pump can improve indoor air-quality and help you be more comfortable.
- Heating oil is not friendly to the environment. Burning fossil fuels (which also includes natural gas) emits carbon pollution which contributes to climate change. In addition, underground oil tanks leak over time and can contaminate soil and groundwater. Did you know that most underground oil tanks in Seattle are well beyond 30 plus years?*
- Seattle City Light provides carbon neutral electricity so switching to a pump immediately reduces your climate impact.
- Heating oil is expensive. Oil prices are volatile and you’re likely to pay a full heating season’s worth of oil all at one time which can be a bit hit on your bank account. Heat pumps save about 50% of your heating costs because they are 2-3 times more efficient than an oil furnace.
- Once you have switched to clean electricity to heat and cool your home, you’ll be eligible for Seattle City Light’s insulation and window rebates which will help increase the energy efficiency of your home.
For more information about the City of Seattle’s Oil Conversion Rebate Program including eligibility and participating contractors, visit www.NoMoreOilHeat.com or contact Christine Bunch, Christine.bunch@seattle.gov, 206-615-1633
*Over time, steel tanks deteriorate as they are subject to constant moisture so you’ll want to make sure you are covered by the State’s free tank insurance. More information can be found at www.plia.wa.gov.